§ As amended, again considered.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceI do not wish to detain the House. It is an important matter, and the arguments are self-evident. I would be grateful if the Minister could say whether he is prepared to accept the amendment or consider ensuring that board members will not be deterred from participating if their earnings are at risk.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI have been generous to the hon. Gentleman, but I have to disappoint him on this occasion. He must recognise the difference between local authority bodies and school boards. It would not be appropriate to extend the opportunity to make claims for support to school board members, which would effectively put them on a par with elected councillors. I ask him to withdraw the amendment.
§ Mr. BruceThe Minister will not be surprised to hear that I am not entirely satisfied. I am worried that in certain circumstances people will be deterred from serving, especially if the school board's powers are to develop in the future, which could involve longer sittings and subcommittees and so on. Like the hon. Member for Strathkelvin and Bearsden (Mr. Galbraith), I do not wish to divide the House. I shall pursue the matter in another place.
§ Amendment negatived.